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COMHAIRLE OFFERING DISABILITY ACCESS GRANTS |
28 June 2004 |
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Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is offering grants for community groups and businesses to encourage compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act. From October this year anyone who offers a service to the public whether it’s free of charge or for a fee must as far as practicable alter physical features that may make the service inaccessible to people with disabilities. This applies to community groups holding a fund raising event, charity shops, restaurants, hotels, B&Bs, post offices and banks regardless of how small or large. Failure to meet this duty under the Disability Discrimination Act could result in a service provider being sued for damages by a person with a disability who by virtue of the physical feature cannot access the service and is therefore discriminated against. The sort of physical features this applies to varies widely but some obvious examples include steps into a shop or the lack of suitable sanitary accommodation. The legislation does allow for a reasonable approach to be taken when deciding what is practicable to achieve. It may not always be possible to provide a ramp instead of steps. However it is worth remembering that not all people with disabilities use a wheelchair, so the sort of improvements that may be necessary may be less obvious such as painting the nosings on steps, providing a handrail, widening a door or improving lighting and signs. The intention of the grant scheme is to raise awareness amongst service providers of their legal obligations and to provide assistance to community groups and businesses in meeting legal requirements. Grants are being offered of up to £750 for community and voluntary organisations and £500 for commercial organisations. More information on the grant scheme and the Disability Discrimination Act may be obtained from the Comhairle’s Disability Access Officer, Malcolm Crate, by telephoning 01851 709325 or 07765660526. Nigel Scott Tel: 01851 709389 (Work) |
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